Moving Tips
Moving out of the state may seem intriguing as the prospect of new experiences dawns before you. However, without the right out of state moving companies, cross-country relocation can be a nuisance. Therefore, to prevent any uncomfortable circumstances, it is important to choose professional movers.
From valuation coverage, experience, transportation vehicles, and licensing there are countless considerations for hiring the right movers. This narrative states all the important things for picking the right movers.
Things To Mind When Hiring Out-of-State Moving Companies
The below factors are the most critical when choosing a cross-country moving company. However, you can also look for additional aspects you would like a moving company to have.
1. Experience
Relocating is not merely packing and transporting moving boxes, there are a lot of things to take care of. Therefore, it is better to choose a moving company with considerable experience under its belt.
Companies offering more experience usually offer good service because they have the expertise and knowledge to handle every kind of problem that may occur during a move. However, it is also important to know that more experience doesn’t always imply a good service. [1]
2. Potential Research
The advent of the internet has brought forth many state-moving companies at your disposal. However, at the same, deciding on a single mover becomes difficult. Research and recommendations are your best option here.
When someone suggests a company also seek more information like fees, overall experience, and why exactly the company stood out. Such inquiries ensure a financially effective and stress-free relocation.
3. Compare Quotes
Once you have a list of different moving companies, getting quotes from each company is an effective cost-saving strategy. Make sure to request a detailed breakdown of all the costs so there are no surprises at the end.
Another aspect that you should mind is that the lowest cost is not always the best option. Experienced and reliable companies charge more, but they offer good services. There are often seasonal and geographical discounts available as well. Â
4. License And Valuation Coverage
Aside from experience and pricing, the out-of-state moving companies also have licenses for offering relocation services. Most interstate movers are registered under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and own a USDOT number. [2]
To avoid any inconveniences and doubts later, it is important to check the company’s validity by visiting the official FMCSA website. Furthermore, it is important to inquire about valuation coverage so there is some compensation in case of mishaps.
5. Additional Services
Most reputable moving companies offer customized services to ensure an efficient and fail-proof move. For instance, if you are relocating at the last minute and lack the time to pack everything yourself, you can use their packing and unpacking services.
Similarly, many out-of-state moving companies also offer temporary storage, which you can utilize as well. When picking a moving company inquire about their additional services and what they include.
6. Customer Service
Relocation is exhausting, and if your moving company is unreachable when you need it the most, it leads to significant moving stress. Hence, it is critical to choose a company that has an active and prompt customer service.
Prompt customer care proves invaluable in disputes and any upheavals that may occur during a move. Be sure to ask about any disputes in the past and how the company handled the case to judge their professionalism.
7. Reviews
Reviews are the living proof that help validate the claims a moving company makes. There are several review websites which you can visit to get a deeper look. The most trusted review websites include TrustPilot.com, Movers.com, and ProMoverReviews.com. [3]
When skimming through these sites, you’ll often find cases where you like a company but a bad review makes you doubtful. Here you can contact customer support and inquire about the matter to ensure peace of mind.  Â
8. Pricing
Pricing is one of the key aspects of relocation, as you must keep the finances in check while ensuring the effectiveness of the move. There are no exact figures as all cross-state moving companies charge differently. However, one thing you need to check is transparent pricing.
The best approach is to ask for in-home estimates. Most reputable out-of-state moving companies offer in-home estimates which help you get accurate estimates and there are no inconveniences later on.
9. Membership
Most homeowners tend to avoid reputable moving companies due to fear of high prices. However, it is untrue. Popular moving companies often have associations with professional organizations which guarantee their reliability further.
Always make sure to check that the moving company you are hiring is a member of ATA (American Truck Association). Furthermore, look for BBB accreditation to ensure a safe move especially when you are hiring out-of-state moving companies. [4]
10. Affordability
Budget fluctuations are pretty common in long-distance moves. Therefore, it is critical to get in-home estimates. Research by the American Moving and Storage Association shows that, on average, a cross-country move costs around $4,300 with a distance of 1225 miles. [4]
These figures are surprising therefore, most homeowners search for cheap movers and that’s alright. However, it is critical to ensure that they offer high-quality services despite the low cost.  Â
Conclusion
Picking out-of-state moving companies for your cross-country move can be challenging. However, with the right amount of research and strategy, you can nail it. Remember that doing potential research, asking for in-home estimates, checking reliability, and validating the company’s licensing are the top deciding factors.
Disputes can often occur so remember to ask the company before about their settlement program and how they compensated clients in the past. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll have zero issues in finding your dream interstate movers!Â
FAQs
1. How to compare moving companies?
The best approach is to get home estimates from three or four companies and then decide on the one that suits your budget.
2. What is the difference between interstate and intrastate moves?
A move crossing the state line is an interstate or out of state move. In comparison, moves within the state lines are intrastate relocations. [5]
3. What classifies as a sustainable move?
A move with a minimum carbon footprint is a sustainable move. Therefore, when selecting a moving company, it is important to select the one that ensures eco-friendly practices so the environment stays safe.
4. What to do if a company insists on providing estimates via emails or phone calls?
It is better to avoid such companies as they can often drive into fraud and scams. Try to prefer companies offering in-home estimates for transparent pricing.
References:
[1] https://unimovers.com/blog/top-10-things-to-look-for-in-a-moving-company/#h-non-rogue
[2] https://www.easycompanymoving.com/10-tips-for-choosing-a-moving-company
[3] https://internationalvanlines.com/top-moving-review-websites/
[4] https://www.themovingblog.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-moving-company/
